Protula tubularia, known as the Feather Duster Tubeworm and Red-Spotted Horseshoes, boast a white calcareous tube adorned with orange-white hues and occasional red spots. Its body features prominent tentacles marked by vivid red blotches and numerous eyespots, enhancing its sensory capabilities. This tubeworm’s slender, segmented body tapers towards its posterior, reaching lengths up to 0.5 cm. Chaetae, present on all but the first body segment, are pale golden in the thoracic region and longer towards the posterior, aiding in mobility despite its primarily stationary lifestyle within its protective tube in depths up to 100 meters.
Feather Duster Tubeworm or Red-Spotted Horseshoes, inhabit coastal waters worldwide, particularly around coral reefs and solid substrates. While often found in shallow reefs around 10 to 20 meters deep, these tubeworms can also thrive at depths reaching up to 100 meters, showcasing their adaptability across various marine environments, including the diverse ecosystems of the Mediterranean Sea.
Protula tubularia, also known as the Feather Duster Tubeworm, is typically solitary but occasionally forms small colonies. These marine invertebrates primarily feed on plankton, which they filter through their distinctive tentacles adorned with red blotches and eyespots. When threatened, they swiftly retreat into their calcareous tubes, demonstrating their defensive strategy against potential predators in their coastal and reef habitats worldwide, including the Mediterranean Sea.
Come and see Protula tubularia at local coral reefs around Gozo, Comino and Malta, including popular dive sites like Forna Point, Santa Maria Caves, and Cominotto Reef. These tubeworms flourish within their calcareous tubes, amidst a rich tapestry of marine life.
